U.S. patent application number 15/046456 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-09 for reductant tank enclosure assembly for machines.
This patent application is currently assigned to Caterpillar Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Caterpillar Inc.. Invention is credited to Fernando Carrillo, Sravana K. Kanchi, Saravanan Panneer.
Application Number | 20160160469 15/046456 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56093805 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160160469 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Panneer; Saravanan ; et
al. |
June 9, 2016 |
REDUCTANT TANK ENCLOSURE ASSEMBLY FOR MACHINES
Abstract
A reductant tank enclosure assembly for a machine including a
cab and a fender is provided. The enclosure assembly includes an
enclosure, a cover assembly, a mounting assembly, and a reductant
tank. The enclosure assembly is disposed on the fender and includes
a wall with a longitudinal edge. The cover assembly is pivotably
connected at the longitudinal edge. The cover assembly pivots to an
open position to facilitate access to the enclosure The mounting
assembly is attached with the fender and positioned inside the
enclosure. The mounting assembly includes a support assembly, and a
tray assembly pivotably coupled to support assembly. The support
assembly includes a support plate attached to a mounting bracket.
The reductant tank inside the enclosure is coupled to the tray
assembly and pivots to an open position providing access to the
reductant tank.
Inventors: |
Panneer; Saravanan; (Trichy,
IN) ; Kanchi; Sravana K.; (Plainfield, IL) ;
Carrillo; Fernando; (Washington, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Caterpillar Inc. |
Peoria |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Caterpillar Inc.
Peoria
IL
|
Family ID: |
56093805 |
Appl. No.: |
15/046456 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
180/69.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01N 2610/1406 20130101;
Y02A 50/2325 20180101; F01N 2610/02 20130101; F01N 2340/04
20130101; Y02T 10/24 20130101; E02F 3/7609 20130101; E02F 3/961
20130101; B60K 13/04 20130101; F01N 3/2066 20130101; B60Y 2200/411
20130101; B60K 15/067 20130101; E02F 9/0883 20130101; Y02A 50/20
20180101; F01N 2590/08 20130101; Y02T 10/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02F 9/08 20060101
E02F009/08; B60K 15/067 20060101 B60K015/067; F01N 3/24 20060101
F01N003/24; B62D 25/08 20060101 B62D025/08; B62D 25/10 20060101
B62D025/10 |
Claims
1. A reductant tank enclosure assembly for a machine, the machine
including a cab and a fender, the fender having a first lateral
side proximal to the cab and a second lateral side distal to the
cab, the reductant tank enclosure assembly including: an enclosure
disposed on a portion of the fender which is proximal to the cab,
the enclosure includes a wall having a longitudinal edge proximal
to the second lateral side; a cover assembly pivotably connected at
the longitudinal edge, the cover assembly structured to pivot to an
open position to facilitate access to the enclosure; a mounting
assembly positioned inside the enclosure and attached with the
fender, the mounting assembly including: a support assembly
including a support plate attached to a mounting bracket, the
support assembly being coupled to the fender; a tray assembly
pivotably coupled to the support assembly; and a reductant tank
disposed inside the enclosure, wherein the reductant tank is
coupled to the tray assembly of the mounting assembly, and
configured to pivot along with the tray assembly to an open
position to facilitate access to the reductant tank.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to reductant tank modules for
machines. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a
reductant tank enclosure assembly for a machine, which facilitates
optimum positioning of a reductant tank.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Internal combustion engines, including diesel engines,
gasoline engines, gaseous fuel-powered engines, and other engines
known in the art exhaust a complex mixture of air pollutants. These
air pollutants are composed of gaseous compounds such as nitrogen
oxides (NOx), and solid particulate matter also known as soot. Due
to increased awareness of the environment, exhaust emission
standards have become more stringent, and the amount of NOx and
soot emitted to the atmosphere by an engine may be regulated
depending on the type of engine, size of engine, and/or class of
engine. In order to ensure compliance with the regulation of NOx,
the engine may be provided with an aftertreatment system. The
aftertreatment system is configured to treat and reduce NOx and/or
soot present in an exhaust gas stream, prior to exit of the exhaust
gas stream into the atmosphere. The aftertreatment system may
include a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) module and a
reductant delivery system, The SCR system involves injection of a
gaseous or liquid reductant (most commonly urea) into the exhaust
gas stream of the engine. The reductant used may be delivered by
reductant delivery system associated with the SCR. The reductant
delivery module may include a reductant tank for storage of a
reductant, a reductant pump, reductant delivery lines and a
reductant injector.
[0003] Typically, the reductant tank is positioned between the
frame rails. This positions a tank fill neck proximal to critical
components like hydraulic lines and fan lines. During reductant
filling operation, the reductant tank may be overfilled. In such
situations, spilling of the reductant may corrode the critical
components over time. Further, the location of the reductant tank
may be a remote location for an operator who is required to access
the reductant tank for servicing. The service access for the
reductant tank at the above mentioned location may be greatly
restricted. This may result in increased service hours and machine
down time to service and replace the reductant tank and/or the
related components.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 8,695,827 discloses a system including a
diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) tank and a fuel tank arranged in a
portion of a vehicle to give that portion multiple structural
functions. The system may be arranged to form a part of a
counterweight on a work vehicle. The disclosed system may be
unfavorable for machines with tiltable cab systems.
[0005] The present disclosure is directed towards one or more
above-mentioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Various aspects of the present disclosure describe a
reductant tank enclosure assembly for a machine. The machine
includes a cab and a fender. The fender includes a first lateral
side which is proximal to the cab and a second lateral side which
is distal to the cab. The reductant tank enclosure assembly
includes an enclosure, a cover assembly, a mounting assembly, a
support assembly, and a reductant tank. The enclosure is disposed
on a portion of the fender proximal to the cab. The enclosure
includes a wall having a longitudinal edge proximal to the second
lateral side. The cover assembly is pivotably connected at the
longitudinal edge. The cover assembly is structured to pivot to an
open position to facilitate access to the enclosure. The mounting
assembly is positioned inside the enclosure and is attached with
the fender. The mounting assembly includes a support assembly, and
a tray assembly. The support assembly includes a support plate
attached to a mounting bracket. The support assembly is coupled to
the fender. The tray assembly is pivotably coupled to the support
assembly. Further, the reductant tank is coupled to the tray
assembly of the mounting assembly. The reductant tank is disposed
inside the enclosure, and pivots along with the tray assembly to an
open position to facilitate access to the reductant tank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary machine showing a
fender and a cab, in accordance with the concepts of the present
disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reductant tank enclosure
assembly of the machine of FIG. 1, including a mounting assembly in
a closed position, in accordance with the concepts of the present
disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mounting assembly of
FIG. 2 in an open position, in accordance with the concepts of the
present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 4 is the mounting assembly of FIG. 3 in engagement with
the fender of the machine, in accordance with the concepts of the
present disclosure; and
[0011] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the mounting assembly of FIG.
4, in accordance with the concepts of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a track type machine 10,
which is commonly referred to as the machine 10. Examples of the
machine 10 may include, but is not limited to, a track type
excavator, a track type tractor, and a track type loader. The
machine 10 includes two track arrangements 12 (one of which is
shown in FIG. 1), a frame 14, an engine compartment 16, a blade 18,
a ripper 20, an operator cabin 22, a fender 24, and a reductant
tank enclosure assembly 26.
[0013] The track arrangements 12 are commonly known track
assemblies that facilitate maneuvering of the machine 10 from one
place to the other. Each of the track arrangements 12 includes a
track 28 that moves around a telescopic track roller frame 30, to
facilitate machine maneuvering. Moreover, the track arrangements 12
support the frame 14 of the machine 10.
[0014] The frame 14 is installed on the track arrangements 12 and
is adapted to support various other components of the machine 10.
More specifically, the frame 14 includes a first portion 32 and a
second portion 34. The first portion 32 of the frame 14 is proximal
to a frontal end 36 of the machine 10. The first portion 32 is
adapted to support the engine compartment 16 and the blade 18 of
the machine 10. More specifically, the blade 18 is attached to the
first portion 32 and is adapted to clear the obstacles, during
normal operation of the machine 10. The second portion 34 of the
frame 14 is proximal to a rear end 38 of the machine 10. The second
portion 34 is adapted to support the ripper 20, the operator cabin
22, and the fender 24 of the machine 10. More specifically, the
ripper 20 is attached to the second portion 34 and is adapted to
perform ripping operation on a ground surface, as the machine 10
traverses forward.
[0015] The operator cabin 22 is structured and arranged on the
second portion 34 of the frame 14. The operator cabin 22 is capable
of being tilted towards either of the two sides of the machine 10,
to facilitate a varied degree of freedom for movement of the
operator cabin 22. The operator cabin 22 houses a number of control
systems that controls various functional items associated with the
machine 10. Particularly, an operator may stand in the operator
cabin 22 and may access the control systems, to manipulate one or
more functional items associated with the machine 10.
[0016] The fender 24 is installed on each side of the operator
cabin 22 and is adapted to cover and protect each of the track
arrangements 12 of the machine 10. More specifically, the fender 24
is installed proximal to the operator cabin 22. The fender 24
includes a first lateral side 40 (FIG. 2) and a second lateral side
42 (FIG. 2). The first lateral side 40 (FIG. 2) is in relative
vicinity of the operator cabin 22 and the second lateral side 42
(FIG. 2) is distal relative to the operator cabin 22. Moreover, the
fender 24 of the machine 10 is adapted to support the reductant
tank enclosure assembly 26 of the machine 10.
[0017] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown the reductant
tank enclosure assembly 26 of the machine 10. The reductant tank
enclosure assembly 26 is installed on the fender 24 of the machine
10, along one side of the machine 10. In the current embodiment,
the reductant tank enclosure assembly 26 includes an enclosure 44,
a cover assembly 46, a mounting assembly 48, and a reductant tank
50.
[0018] The enclosure 44 is installed on at least a portion of the
fender 24, which is proximal to the operator cabin 22. More
specifically, the enclosure 44 is fixedly installed proximal to the
first lateral edge 40 of the fender 24. The enclosure 44 includes a
wall 52 that extends towards the second lateral edge 42 of the
fender 24. The wall 52 includes a longitudinal edge 54 proximal to
the second lateral side 42 of the fender 24.
[0019] The cover assembly 46 is pivotably connected to the
longitudinal edge 54 of the enclosure 44. The cover assembly 46 is
structured and arranged to pivotably move between a closed position
and an open position. In the closed position, the cover assembly 46
encloses the reductant tank 50 and restricts an access to the
enclosure 44 and the reductant tank 50. In the closed position, the
cover assembly 46 facilitates an access to the enclosure 44 and the
reductant tank 50.
[0020] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown the mounting
assembly 48 of the reductant tank enclosure assembly 26. The
mounting assembly 48 is adapted to mount and support the reductant
tank 50 of the reductant tank enclosure assembly 26. The mounting
assembly 48 is attached to the fender 24 and is positioned inside
the enclosure 44. The mounting assembly 48 includes a support
assembly 56, and a tray assembly 60.
[0021] The support assembly 56 of the mounting assembly 48 is
fixedly attached to the fender 24 of the machine 10. The support
assembly 56 includes a mounting bracket 62, a pivot bracket 64, and
a support plate 66. The mounting bracket 62 of the support assembly
56 is fixedly attached to the fender 24 of the machine 10. The
pivot bracket 64 is fixedly attached to the mounting bracket 62 and
is adapted to pivotably support the tray assembly 60. The support
plate 66 is fixedly attached to the mounting bracket 62, with use
of an attachment means, such as but not limited to, a weld and
gusset attachment, a weld attachment, and/or a bolt attachment.
Although, the present disclosure describes the mounting bracket 62,
the pivot bracket 64, and the support plate 66 as individual
components of the support assembly 56, it may be contemplated that
the mounting bracket 62, the pivot bracket 64, and the support
plate 66 may be portions of a singular integrated component of the
support assembly 56.
[0022] The tray assembly 60 is pivotably coupled to the support
assembly 56. The tray assembly 60 includes a pivot block 68. A
pivot rod 70 passes through the pivot block 68 of the tray assembly
60 and the pivot bracket 64 of the support assembly 56, to
facilitate a pivotal connection between the tray assembly 60 and
the support assembly 56, More specifically, the pivot rod 70 is
fixedly connected to the pivot bracket 64 and is rotatably
positioned in the pivot block 68, via a number of bearing sleeves
71. This arrangement facilitates the pivotal connection between the
tray assembly 60 and the support assembly 56. In an embodiment, a
pin 72 passes through a hole 73 in the pivot rod 70 and a stopper
bracket 75 on the pivot block 68, to restrict a vertical movement
of the tray assembly 60 relative to the support assembly 56.
Further, the pivotal movement of the tray assembly 60 is also
restricted by attaching the support plate 66 with the tray assembly
60, with use of fasteners 74.
[0023] Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the reductant tank 50 is
attached to the tray assembly 60 of the mounting assembly 48 and is
disposed inside the enclosure 44. The reductant tank 50 is
configured to pivot, along with the tray assembly 60, between an
open position and a closed position. As is shown in FIG. 3, in the
closed position, the reductant tank 50, along with the tray
assembly 60, is disposed within the enclosure 44. As is shown in
FIG. 2, in the open position, the reductant tank 50, along with the
tray assembly 60, are disposed outside the enclosure 44, to
facilitate an access to the reductant tank 50.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0024] As is shown in FIG. 1, the reductant tank enclosure assembly
26 is installed on the fender 24 and houses the reductant tank 50.
During normal operation of the machine 10, the reductant tank 50,
along with the tray assembly 60, is in the closed position.
Additionally, the cover assembly 46 is also in the closed position,
during normal operation of the machine 10. This facilitates the
reductant tank 50 to be positioned within the enclosure 44 and the
cover assembly 46 covers the reductant tank 50.
[0025] As is shown in FIG. 3, during service and/or repair events
of the reductant tank 50, an operator moves the cover assembly 46
from the closed position to the open position. In this position,
the reductant tank 50 is positioned within the enclosure 44 of the
reductant tank enclosure assembly 26. The operator then removes the
fasteners 74 from the mounting assembly 48, to allow the pivotal
movement of the tray assembly 60 relative to the support assembly
56. Thereafter, the operator pivotally moves the tray assembly 60,
relative to the support assembly 56. This facilitates a movement of
the reductant tank 50, along with the tray assembly 60 from the
closed position to the open position.
[0026] As is shown in FIG. 2, in the open position, the reductant
tank 50 is positioned outside the enclosure 44 and is accessible to
the operator, for service and repair. As the reductant tank
enclosure assembly 26 is installed on the fender 24, the reductant
tank 50 is relatively easily accessible to the operator, for
service and repair. Therefore, the serviceman may relatively easily
fill the reductant tank 50 with reductant. This eliminates the
chances of reductant spillage over critical components.
Additionally, this reduces the service time and machine down time.
Moreover, as the reductant tank 50 is capable of moving from the
closed position to the open position, the reductant tank 50
accommodates for tilting of the operator cabin 22. More
specifically, the reductant tank 50 is accessible even when the
operator cabin 22 is tilted towards the reductant tank enclosure
assembly 26.
[0027] The many features and advantages of the disclosure are
apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the disclosure that fall within the true spirit and scope thereof.
Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily
occur to those skilled in the art. It is not desired to limit the
disclosure to the exact construction and operation illustrated and
described, and, accordingly, all suitable modifications and
equivalents may be resorted to that fall within the scope of the
disclosure.
* * * * *